University of Southampton and Partners Develop Rapid UTI Test Enabling Same Day Antibiotic Treatment Decisions

University of Southampton and Partners Develop Rapid UTI Test Enabling Same Day Antibiotic Treatment Decisions

(IN BRIEF) Researchers from the University of Southampton, University of Reading, and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have developed a rapid test that can identify the most effective antibiotic for urinary tract infections within hours rather than days. By testing directly from urine samples, the method eliminates the need for overnight bacterial culture and delivers results in an average of 5.85 hours. Clinical trials showed high accuracy, with over 96 percent agreement with standard methods and nearly 99 percent consistency when testing preserved samples. The innovation could enable same-day treatment decisions, reduce inappropriate antibiotic use, and help combat antimicrobial resistance, addressing a significant global healthcare challenge.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOUTHAMPTON, 1-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — University of Southampton, working alongside University of Reading and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has developed a rapid diagnostic test that could significantly improve how urinary tract infections (UTIs) are treated. The new method enables clinicians to determine the most effective antibiotic directly from urine samples in under six hours, potentially allowing same-day prescribing.

The innovation addresses a major limitation in current diagnostic practices. Traditional laboratory testing requires bacteria to be cultured overnight before antibiotic susceptibility can be assessed, a process that typically takes two to three days. During this time, patients are often prescribed antibiotics without knowing whether they will be effective, increasing the risk of treatment failure and contributing to antibiotic resistance.

The newly developed test eliminates the need for overnight culturing by analysing urine samples directly. Using a cartridge containing multiple fine tubes preloaded with different antibiotics, the system assesses bacterial growth through optical imaging. If bacterial growth is inhibited in a tube, the corresponding antibiotic is effective; if not, the bacteria are resistant. This streamlined process allows clinicians to identify the correct treatment within an average of 5.85 hours.

The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, evaluated 352 urine samples from patients with suspected UTIs. Results showed that the rapid test aligned with standard laboratory methods in 96.95 percent of cases across seven commonly used antibiotics.

A second investigation involving 90 duplicate samples examined whether the use of boric acid, a preservative commonly added during sample collection, affected test accuracy. The findings demonstrated a 98.75 percent agreement between preserved and non-preserved samples, confirming that the preservative does not compromise results.

Oliver Hancox, Chief Executive of Astratus Limited—the University of Reading spin-out responsible for commercialising the technology—highlighted the clinical benefits of faster diagnostics. He noted that under current testing timelines, patients may complete a course of antibiotics before results are available or receive treatments that are ineffective, increasing the risk of complications such as sepsis.

Mike Lewis emphasized the broader implications for tackling antimicrobial resistance, describing the test as an example of practical innovation aligned with national health priorities.

Lead researcher Al Edwards and Professor Matthew Inada-Kim also underscored the importance of accurate, rapid diagnostics in improving patient outcomes. They noted that UTIs are a leading reason for antibiotic prescriptions and that timely, targeted treatment could significantly reduce complications and improve care efficiency.

The need for improved diagnostics is considerable. Data from the NHS indicates that UTIs have resulted in more than 800,000 hospital admissions in England over the past five years, while approximately a quarter of urine samples show resistance to commonly used antibiotics. With around 65 million urine samples analysed annually in the UK, the introduction of faster testing methods could have a substantial impact on healthcare systems.

As a first-of-its-kind study comparing preserved and non-preserved urine samples in this context, the research provides strong evidence supporting the reliability and practicality of direct-from-urine testing. The technology is expected to play a key role in reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and improving patient outcomes.

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SOURCE: University of Southampton